Swimming-hose.



Patented May 1; I900. P. KURTS.

SWIMMING HOSE.

(Application til ed Dec. 29, 1899.)

(No Model.)

/ //v VENTOH /WJ/fi I I I v A77 NEYS NITEDA STATES PATENT, OFFICE.

PAUL KURTS, oFnEwYoRK, N. Y.

SWIMMING-HOSE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 648,697, dated May 1, 1900.

Application filed December 29, 1899. Serial No. 741,884. (No model.)

T0 at whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, PAUL KURTS, a citizen of the United States, residing at NewYork, in the borough of Manhattan and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Swimming-Hose, of which the following 'is a specification.

This invention relates to a swimming-hose which is adapted to be worn by experienced swimmers, so as to enhance the pleasure of the sport and increase the buoyancy and speed of propulsion of the swimmer.

The invention consists of a swim ming-hose which comprises a main portion, which is applied to the leg, an expansible foot portion, which is adapted tobe distended and collapsed and is arranged transversely of the main portion, and a longitudinal fin, which is secured to the said foot portion at one end and at its inner edge to the main-portion. The longitudinal fin forms a pocket, likewise the foot portion, said pockets being arranged longitudinally and transversely of the main portion, all as will be hereinafter described and then particularly claimed. 7

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a swimmer equipped with my improved swimming-hose. an enlarged perspective view of the swimming-hose. Fig. 3 is an elevation of the foot end of the hose. Fig. 4 is a transverse section on the line 4 4, Fig. 2; and Fig. 5 is a longitudinal section on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

Referring to the drawings, A indicates the main portion of the device, which may be in the form of a hose; but it is evident that any other suitable and equivalent means for attaching the device to the leg may be substituted.

B indicates the foot portion,which is formed of a web reinforced by transverse stays B and is attached longitudinally ot the foot to the main portion A, so as to extend transversely of the leg portion, it being free and unattached at the edge 1), whereby an open pocket is formed, so that the web of the foot Fig. 2 is v portion can be collapsed against the foot, as shown in dotted lines, or can be expanded or distended, as shown in full lines. 0 is a longitudinal fin, which is secured at its inner edge 0 along the said main portion A, while the broad lower end of the same is secured at d to the inner edge of the webbed foot portion B, said fin tapering from its point of attachment .to the foot portion 13 toward the upper end of the main portion A. The outer edge 0 of the fin is free and unattached, so that the said fin can be collapsed and expanded or distended. Between the foot portion B and the fin C is a partition Web or membrane e.

The swimmer secures one of the devices to each leg, and it is evident that the same are made in pairs, so that the fin and the expansible foot portion will be on the outer side ofboth legs to secure proper action. When kicking back while swimming, the foot por tion B will be distended or expanded, so as to secure agreater purchase on the water,while when bringing the legs together the fin Owill' bedistended or expanded, so as to offer a greater resistance to the water, while when drawing the legs up and apart the foot portion B and fin C will be collapsed against the main portion and will offer practically no re sistance to the exertion of the swimmer in that direction.

The device is quite simple and can be made up at comparative low cost, so as to be placed within the reach of all. It can be readily applied to the legs and feet of the ordinary hose and does not interfere with walking when entering or leaving the Water. It greatly enhances the enjoyment of the swimming sport, especially to experienced swimmers.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. A swimming-hose, consisting of a main leg portion, an expansible or distensible webbed foot portion, and an expansible or distensible fin, substantially as set forth.

2. A swimming-hose, consisting of a main leg portion,.an expansible or distensible foot portion secured to the side of the main portion to form a pocket, and an expansible or distensible fin secured at one end to said portion and at one edge to the main portion, so as to extend longitudinally thereof, substantially as set forth.

3. A swimming-hose, consisting of a, main- I leg portion, an expansible or distensible Webbed foot portion attached sidewise of the I foot of the leg portion and an expansible fin, 

